KITCHEN DESIGN & REMODELING QUESTIONS
Embarking on a kitchen remodel is exciting, but it comes with a list of questions. From choosing the right cabinets to figuring out a budget and finding a designer who gets your vision, there’s a lot to consider.
We get it, and we’re here to help clear things up.
Welcome to our FAQ page, where we tackle the most common questions we hear from homeowners just like you. Think of this as your go-to resource, filled with straightforward advice from our expert designers, Jeff and Josh Hunt. We believe in making the design process as relaxed and transparent as possible. On this page, you’ll find honest answers to help you navigate your project with confidence—no confusing jargon, just practical insights.
Let’s dive into the details and start turning your kitchen dreams into a well-planned reality.
Why Hire a Kitchen Designer if I Already Have a Contractor? ?
Think of it this way: your contractor is the expert builder, but a designer is your visionary and industry insider. A designer’s greatest asset is their deep market knowledge. They know which cabinet manufacturer excels at contemporary styles versus traditional, ensuring you don’t end up with a product that misses the mark. This expertise extends to every element—flooring, countertops, hardware, and lighting. Knowing exactly where to find the best quality and value for your specific needs is a game-changer that saves you time, money, and stress.
What Does a Kitchen Designer Really Do? ?
Beyond just picking colors, a good kitchen designer is an artist with a practical mind. Our job is to create a space that is both beautiful and built to last. We focus on creating timeless designs—the kind that remain stylish and relevant for years to come. We help you navigate the endless choices in the market, steering you toward quality and away from fleeting trends or features you don’t need. It’s about translating your personal style into a functional, enduring kitchen you’ll love for the long haul.
How We Make Your Vision a Reality ?
Our approach is collaborative and centered on your vision. We start by listening to your ideas and needs to build a solid design plan. Then, we use our expertise to guide you to the right materials and layouts that fit your goals and budget. We’re your partners from the initial brainstorming session to coordinating with contractors, ensuring every detail aligns with the design we perfected together. Our goal is to handle the complexities so you can enjoy the creative process of seeing your dream kitchen come to life. See below for an overview of our design process.
What is Your Design Process?
01.
Initial Meeting
02.
Rough Draft Meeting
03.
Collect Deposit
04.
Measurements
05.
Cabinet Order
06.
Cabinet Delivery
07.
Installation & Construction
08.
Warranty
09.
Reviews
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PhoneCall Us: 480.650.4402
We begin with a short consultation to understand your goals and content needs. After that, we hold a brief first meeting to confirm access, outline the workflow, and set timelines. From there, we handle everything.
Our process starts with a no-strings-attached consultation—a friendly conversation where we get to know your space, your ideas, and your goals. We’ll walk you through “Cabinetry 101,” break down the latest options in the market, and chat about which styles, colors, and materials might suit your vision. All we need from you are your room measurements (and maybe a few photos if you have them). The goal of this first meeting is to gather enough details to build a solid “design board”—the launching pad for your future kitchen.
Once we have your design board ready, the next step is what we call the Rough Draft Meeting. This meeting is all about bringing your ideas to life. We’ll prepare a complete kitchen design based on everything we discussed during your consultation.
At the Rough Draft Meeting, you’ll see your new kitchen come together—literally—on our giant 86″ screen. We’ll present the layout, explain our choices, and invite your feedback. Don’t hold back; we love a little back-and-forth. Together, we’ll fine-tune your design in real time until it feels exactly right for you.
Absolutely! Both your initial consultation and the Rough Draft Meeting come at no cost. We want you to feel comfortable and confident before making any commitments. Once we’ve nailed down a design that makes you want to dance around your kitchen (or at least your living room), we’ll discuss pricing and next steps, like deposits, to keep the project rolling. No hidden fees, no surprises—just honest, helpful guidance from start to finish.
Good questions deserve
straight answers.
Seven Best of Houzz Service Awards reflect the way we approach every conversation: listen first, make the decisions clear, and never leave you guessing about what comes next.
View Our Houzz Profile ↗Questions from Our Customers
What should I have ready to be prepared for my consultation?
Measurements of the project space are key. Any pictures of the old space are helpful but we can proceed without them.
What is included in a Kitchen Design?
The design and all layouts and elevations relative to the project.
Do I need an appointment?
No. This may sound more pretentious than we intend. We are very hands-on, which often carries us out into the field. We would hate for you to gather all your information and arrive to find a locked door.
How long does a kitchen design take?
A typical kitchen design takes approximately 4–5 hours, depending on the scope and level of detail required.
What types of kitchens have you designed?
All types. This includes traditional, contemporary, transitional, avant garde, old world, and farmhouse kitchens—anything you can imagine in a residential setting. We complete very few commercial projects.
What’s the most important question to ask a kitchen designer?
Which manufacturers do you use? If the answer is “none” and they say the word “custom,” run as fast as you can in the other direction.
Why? Manufacturer-level finishes are not traditional paint. They use baked-on, tinted lacquer that requires multi-million-dollar equipment and large-scale facilities. Many local “custom” shops rely on spray paint, which performs poorly in Arizona’s climate and can begin peeling within two years.
How long will it take to remodel my kitchen?
Current cabinet lead times are approximately 12–14 weeks across most manufacturers. Custom cabinet lines can take 35–37 weeks, depending on demand and material availability.
How much will it cost to remodel my kitchen?
Every project is different, but there are reliable guidelines. In Arizona, homeowners should plan to spend between 5–15% of their home’s value on a kitchen remodel—closer to 15% in areas like Scottsdale.
Of that total remodel budget, approximately 50% should be allocated to cabinetry alone.
I have $10,000. Can I remodel my kitchen?
Not for a professional remodel that includes cabinet replacement. There are some DIY improvements you could make, but they will only go so far and won’t deliver a full remodel result.
How much does a new kitchen cost?
Rather than a fixed number, it’s more useful to focus on what a kitchen should cost. In Arizona, a realistic budget is 5–15% of your home’s value—closer to 15% in Scottsdale.
Of that budget, roughly 50% should be allocated to cabinets alone. For more detail on what to expect during a kitchen remodel, see here.
How much does kitchen design cost?
You can purchase a kitchen design from us without purchasing cabinets for $999. If you purchase cabinets through us, there is no additional charge for the design work.
Do you have a kitchen showroom?
Yes. Our showroom is located at 14651 N. Northsight Blvd, Suite 137, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 .
What cabinets do you use?
I carry very specific manufacturers to meet very specific needs. Manufacturers have wheelhouses you’ll want to stay inside.
Waypoint (Semi-Custom) – Framed cabinets. Excellent for transitional to traditional designs.
Bellmont (Mid-tier Custom) – European frameless construction. This is the only option I recommend for contemporary kitchens, though they also offer a full custom range built on the European frameless box.
See more on various types of kitchen cabinets .
What if I want to buy just the cabinets?
You can. There is a lower price point available if I am not liable for the design.
If I have a small budget, will you do my kitchen?
Yes—but things cost what they cost. You may love the price of 50 linear feet, but that number doesn’t matter if you need to cover 75 linear feet.
Can I install the cabinets myself?
Yes. I feel safer saying yes with traditional framed cabinets. European frameless cabinets are a completely different animal, and I would strongly advise against self-installation in that case.
What’s the difference between a kitchen designer, interior designer, and remodel contractor?
A kitchen designer works with a remodel contractor to complete your kitchen remodel. The kitchen designer selects materials and layouts, while the remodel contractor brings the design to life.
An interior designer typically focuses on broader aesthetic elements such as flooring, furnishings, colors, and textiles.
Read more about what a kitchen designer does here.
Do you work outside Arizona?
Yes. After the lockdown, we significantly expanded our ability to work remotely, allowing us to support clients well beyond Arizona.
Can I see your work?
Is the kitchen triangle still relevant?
Yes. You can learn more about fundamental kitchen design principles here.
What is the most functional kitchen layout?
The most functional layout is the one that fits your personal needs. As my dad always used to say, “There’s an ass for every chair.”
You can also review our guide on the elements that make a kitchen truly functional.
Can I keep my appliances?
Yes. There’s almost always a way to preserve the “constants”—the items you don’t want to change or replace.
Will an island fit in my kitchen?
We typically make islands as large as geometry allows. If you can’t maintain at least 36 inches of clearance on all sides, then the answer is no—36 inches is ADA code.
Can I use dark colors in a small kitchen?
Yes. Designers often pretend there are hard, fast rules—but that’s not really true. Most “rules” are flexible, and dark colors can absolutely work in small kitchens when applied thoughtfully.